SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 282

WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to recognize Ellis Pickett, who has been named the recipient of the Coastal Impact Award by the Surfrider Foundation; and

WHEREAS, Ellis Pickett is receiving this prestigious honor for his exemplary efforts to preserve and protect the public beaches and beach environments along the Texas Gulf Coast; and

WHEREAS, After a long career in sales and management, Mr. Pickett began his vocation as a citizen advocate in 1999; he was the founder of the first Surfrider Foundation chapter in Texas; and

WHEREAS, Through the years, he has documented the erosion of Texas beaches and has testified before the legislature on a wide range of issues surrounding beach safety and access; his work in the aftermath of Hurricane Ike played a vital role in helping to make the Bolivar Peninsula once again safe for public use; and

WHEREAS, He became an expert on the details of the landmark Severance v. Patterson case, and he has worked with officials from such agencies as the Texas Land Office and the Texas Railroad Commission to seek solutions to today's problems along Texas shorelines; he is truly deserving of recognition for his dedication and hard work; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 84th Legislature, hereby commend Ellis Pickett on his exceptional work in preserving and protecting Texas beaches and extend congratulations to him on earning the Surfrider Coastal Impact Award; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for him as an expression of esteem from the Texas Senate.

Taylor of Galveston

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President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on March 2, 2015.

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Secretary of the Senate

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Member, Texas Senate